Power Ministry Forms Committee to Standardise Smart Meter Training

24 Sep 2025 CW Team

The National Data Analytics and Reporting Centre at the National Power Training Institute, Faridabad, will conduct training programmes for DISCOM officials and provide guidance on customising use case analytics. It will also offer a “Leadership and Strategic Management” course for senior management to support effective implementation of data analytics.

The steering committee will supervise the design and development of training modules, approve SOPs and guidelines emphasising cybersecurity and data privacy, ensure alignment with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider Standard Bidding Document, suggest a central support mechanism for DISCOMs, and review programme implementation.

The sub-working group will assist in designing modules for employees across levels—from executive engineers to managing directors—and consult stakeholders to develop SOPs, guidelines, and a handbook focused on data analytics, cybersecurity, and privacy.

This initiative forms part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at institutionalising data analytics-based decision-making across utilities and unlocking the full value of data generated through Advanced Metering Infrastructure.

The Smart Meter National Programme under RDSS targets completion by 31 March 2026. As of February 2025, only 20.85 million smart meters had been installed against the 250 million target for FY26.

The Rs 3.3 trillion (~$37.36 billion) RDSS is expected to be extended by two years until FY28. The Ministry informed Parliament’s Standing Committee on Energy that significant work remains, particularly in smart meter deployment, which is likely to take approximately two years.

The Ministry of Power is establishing a steering committee and a sub-working group of domain experts to standardise training modules and create standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for smart meter data analytics, adoption of standards-based regimes, and cybersecurity practices for distribution companies (DISCOMs).The National Data Analytics and Reporting Centre at the National Power Training Institute, Faridabad, will conduct training programmes for DISCOM officials and provide guidance on customising use case analytics. It will also offer a “Leadership and Strategic Management” course for senior management to support effective implementation of data analytics.The steering committee will supervise the design and development of training modules, approve SOPs and guidelines emphasising cybersecurity and data privacy, ensure alignment with the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider Standard Bidding Document, suggest a central support mechanism for DISCOMs, and review programme implementation.The sub-working group will assist in designing modules for employees across levels—from executive engineers to managing directors—and consult stakeholders to develop SOPs, guidelines, and a handbook focused on data analytics, cybersecurity, and privacy.This initiative forms part of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at institutionalising data analytics-based decision-making across utilities and unlocking the full value of data generated through Advanced Metering Infrastructure.The Smart Meter National Programme under RDSS targets completion by 31 March 2026. As of February 2025, only 20.85 million smart meters had been installed against the 250 million target for FY26.The Rs 3.3 trillion (~$37.36 billion) RDSS is expected to be extended by two years until FY28. The Ministry informed Parliament’s Standing Committee on Energy that significant work remains, particularly in smart meter deployment, which is likely to take approximately two years.

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

BMC Gets CRZ Nod For Rs 40 Million Gorai Bridge Rebuild

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has secured Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the reconstruction of the Poisar River bridge in Gorai, located in Mumbai’s western suburbs. However, the proposed demolition of the existing 100-metre bridge has sparked opposition from local residents, who claim it serves as the only direct access route between the Lower and Upper Koliwada areas. The three-decade-old bridge, situated within the CRZ buffer zone, was recently declared structurally unsafe following a civic audit. The BMC has sanctioned its reconstruction at an estimated cost ..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

NHAI Completes Rs 15.9 Billion Four-Lane Stretch On ECR

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed the four-laning of the 38 km Puducherry–Poondiyankuppam stretch, ending near Cuddalore, in a development that will cut travel time by up to two hours, according to a report by The New Indian Express. The upgraded section, built at a cost of Rs 15.9 billion under the Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase I, marks a major milestone in the ongoing East Coast Road (ECR) widening programme. The project promises a smoother, faster drive for motorists travelling towards Cuddalore, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi, and Nagapattinam. With this completion, 22..

Infrastructure Transport

15 Oct 2025

Encroachments Delay Rs 1 Billion Ghatkopar Bridge Project

The construction of a new cable-stayed rail overbridge at Ghatkopar and the widening of the Andheri–Ghatkopar Link Road (AGLR) have been delayed due to the presence of nearly 250 encroached structures on both sides of the road. In response, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has directed officials to carry out a structural audit of the existing bridge over the railway line and enforce temporary restrictions on heavy vehicles to ensure public safety. The bridge, which starts at the Golibar Road junction near LBS Marg and extends up to the Eastern Express Highway (EEH), serves as a critic..